For printed copies of this or other pollution prevention publications distributed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention, please call the Office of Pollution Prevention at 614/644-3469. A copy of the Office of Pollution Prevention publications distribution list, "Pollution Prevention Information Available from Ohio EPA", may also be ordered by calling 614/644-3469.
P2. Source reduction. Waste minimization. While the "buzzwords" abound for pollution prevention, many people are still unclear on what pollution prevention is all about.
Simply stated, pollution prevention (P2) is putting into practice the common sense idea that the best way to protect the environment is to prevent pollution from being generated in the first place. Some examples of this include switching to the use of less toxic ingredients in a production process, using reusable and recyclable containers, using less packaging materials, and switching to energy efficient lighting.
Tremendous progress has been made since the 1970s in improving environmental quality by properly treating and disposing of wastes. However, this "end-of-pipe" approach is expensive and sometimes transfers pollution from one medium (air, water or land) to another. P2 avoids transferring pollution because the pollution is not generated in the first place.
While waste treatment and disposal can be costly, companies using P2 can experience a variety of benefits. Benefits may include reduced disposal costs, reduced worker safety liability, reduced future environmental damage liability, and an environmentally friendly public image.
While many companies have been practicing pollution prevention for years, most Ohioans don't know what P2 means or how they can practice P2 themselves. So how can you incorporate P2 into your daily activities?
Remember, people start pollution, people can prevent it. The success of pollution prevention depends on individuals committed to using P2 concepts in their daily activities.
Prevention Quarterly is published by the Ohio EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention. Please direct your comments to: Vanessa Smith, Ohio EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049, (614) 728-1262.